Harming green cover is an irresponsible behaviour, which needs to be tackled strictly. One such case was reported in the Dhofar Governorate where a Gulf tourist was seen drifting his car on a green landscape.
The governorate’s Police Command detained the tourist after a video featuring him drifting his vehicle and damaging the lush green landscape in the Dhofar Governorate was circulated. Legal actions were also initiated against him.
Drifting, a popular but dangerous activity among young people, involves driving a car recklessly at high speeds. This hazardous behaviour is a significant traffic violation with numerous negative consequences. Drifting can result in fatalities, harm to individuals, fear, and significant material damage to both public and private property due to accidents. It creates chaos, breaches regulations, and disrupts traffic.
The misuse of green spaces, particularly during the khareef season in Dhofar, spoils the natural beauty and disrupts the enjoyment. The random driving of cars over green areas in plains and mountains kills grasses and plants, leading to the destruction of the vegetation cover. Additionally, some people cut tree branches and ignite fires for cooking, neglecting the availability of dry wood sold along tourist routes and causing further damage to the environment.
Drifting in green areas endangers the safety of individuals, wildlife, and plant life, distorting the local environment. The Environment Authority enforces legal measures per Article (21) of the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Law, which prohibits any activity harmful to vegetation cover, including cutting, uprooting, or damaging trees, shrubs, or grass in public forests.
The issue of drifting extends beyond traffic and security; it is a national, social, family, and media concern. The Royal Oman Police are committed to addressing all forms of negligence that could endanger lives. They have warned that there will be no leniency in applying the law to reckless drivers, emphasising that such actions will result in strict legal consequences.
Omani Traffic Law classifies drifting as reckless driving, a criminal act punishable by arrest for 48 hours, vehicle impoundment, imprisonment for 10 days to one year, fines up to RO 500, and the possibility of a three-month driving license suspension.
Local reports highlight several causes of drifting: Boredom among youth, a desire for fame, negative peer influence, weak family oversight, and neglect by parents. The media and electronic games also play a role in promoting this dangerous activity.
With the growing concern over this phenomenon, Omani bloggers have suggested possible solutions on social media, such as designating specific areas for drifting under the supervision of specialised observers, away from residential neighbourhoods and at designated times.
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